The ASPCA is commending Mayor Bill de Blasio for allocating a total of $10 million over the next two years to support New York City’s homeless animals. Mayor de Blasio proposed $2 million be allocated this year and $8 million the following year to create two full-service animal shelters in Queens and the Bronx, giving homeless animals across New York City access to life-saving services and the opportunity to be adopted into loving homes.

“This important funding will go a long way toward helping Animal Care Centers (ACC) deliver a level of care and protection that New York City animals both need and deserve,” said Matt Bershadker, President and CEO of the ASPCA. “In particular, this money may finally bring full-service shelters to the Bronx and Queens, dramatically improving the chances for local animals to get adopted and find safe and loving homes. As longtime supporters of ACC and the city's vulnerable animals, we thank the Mayor for including the funding in his executive budget.”

Currently in these two boroughs—home to nearly 3.6 million people—dogs and cats are taken in, but soon moved to other boroughs. This adds to the populations in those shelters, and reduces the chances of lost pets from Queens and the Bronx finding their ways back home. The lack of full-service shelters also puts an obstacle in front of potential adopters in Queens and the Bronx, which is unacceptable given the lives at stake.

“The ASPCA’s work with ACC over the past several years to drastically reduce euthanasia rates and increase adoption numbers demonstrate how much we can accomplish for New York City’s homeless animals through diligent work and effective collaboration,” added Bershadker. “We are grateful to Mayor de Blasio for recognizing the value of investing in our sheltering infrastructure and look forward to making the most of this opportunity with the goal of ending animal suffering across the city.”